Step Stools And Storage, Step Supports Having Open, Forwardly-Facing Storage Cubbies

ABSTRACT

Step stools and storage, step supports having open, forwardly-facing storage cubbies for use in confined spaces, such as closets. Some of the storage, step supports have steps which are fixed relative to other steps while other storage, step supports are provided with one or more relatively movable steps and are movable from a storage position to a step position.

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/716,484, filed on May 19, 2015, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Step stools and storage, step supports having open, forwardly-facing storage cubbies for use in confined spaces, such as closets, are disclosed. Some embodiments comprise movable lower steps which are extendable to facilitate stepping up and retractable to minimize the overall foot print of the step stool, while providing storage space and permitting access to stored items in any position.

BACKGROUND

The ability to maximize storage capacity in a confined space, such as a closet, is often desirable. Storing items in a closet can entail storing the items at a height which is not readily reachable by a person of average height. It is also desirable to have ready access to items which are stored within reach.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front, perspective view of a first embodiment of a step stool comprising open, forwardly facing storage cubbies and two steps.

FIG. 2 is a rear, perspective view of the first embodiment of a step stool shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front, perspective view of a second embodiment of a step stool comprising open, forwardly facing storage cubbies, three steps and an open back.

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the second embodiment of a step stool shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a front, perspective view of storage, step support with a movable, lower step in the storage position.

FIG. 6 is a front, perspective view of the storage, step support shown in FIG. 5 with the movable, lower step in the extended “step” position.

FIG. 7 is a rear, perspective view of the top step of the storage, step support shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a front, perspective view of the top step of the storage, step support shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 is a partial, close-up, front perspective view of the upper step of the storage, step support shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 10 is a partial, rear, perspective view of the lower step of the storage, step support shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 11 is a partial, front, perspective view of the lower step of the storage, step support shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 12 is a front view of storage, step support comprising two movable steps.

FIG. 13 is a rear view of the storage, step support shown in FIG. 12 (with the rear walls removed).

FIG. 14 is a front, perspective view of the storage, step support shown in FIG. 12 positioned in a closet (shown in phantom) and with the lower steps extended.

FIG. 15 is a front, perspective view of the storage, step support shown in FIG. 12 positioned in a closet (shown in phantom) with the lower steps extended and with a person (also shown in phantom) using the steps.

FIG. 16 is a side view of the storage, step support shown in FIG. 12 with the lower steps extended.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Stable, sturdy step stools and storage step supports which advantageously comprise storage cubbies having open, forwardly facing openings for allowing access to stored items, such as shoes, in confined spaces such as closets are disclosed. The various embodiments illustrated and described herein provide convenient and orderly storage for items such as shoes in a manner which increases storage capacity in confined spaces such as closets while simultaneously providing the ability to readily access other items stored above the unaided reach of the user.

FIGS. 1 and 2 are front and rear perspective views of a first embodiment of a step stool comprising two open, forwardly facing storage cubbies. In this embodiment, a base 10 comprises a forward, exposed tread portion 12 and a rearward covered, portion 14. As used herein, for purposes of convention, shoes or other items are inserted and removed from the “front” or “forwardly facing” portions of the storage cubbies. References to “right” and “left” are from the perspective of a person standing in front of the step stool or storage, step support and facing the front of the stool or step support. For example, the shoes shown in phantom in FIG. 3 are on the right side of base 40. The term “tread” is used to indicate the part of a step that is stepped upon. The term “riser” indicates the distance from the top of one tread to the top of the next tread, measured vertically. The lowest portion of a stool or storage, step support is sometimes referred to herein as the “lower surface”.

Base 10 is supported and elevated off the floor by three lower supports 15. In this embodiment, friction reducing devices 16, such as “Magic Sliders®” are optionally disposed on the bottoms of lower supports 15 to facilitate sliding the step stool on a surface. Forward exposed portion 12 forms a lower tread. In this embodiment, lower tread 12 is about 2 inches above the surface on which the step stool rests. Alternatively, lower tread 12 can be closer to that surface or higher above it such as about 3 inches above the surface. Lower tread is not greater than 8 inches above the surface. An upper tread 22 is supported above rearward covered portion 14 of base 10 by three upper supports 25. The supports are sufficiently strong to collectively provide a load carrying capacity of at least 150 pounds, preferably at least 250 pounds, and most preferably at least 350 pounds to each of the treads 12, 22 which they support.

The upper supports 25, rearward covered portion 14 and upper tread 22 define two storage cubbies which are preferably dimensioned to store a pair of adult shoes. Each storage area preferably has a width of 8 inches, but can have other widths such as, for example, 6 inches, 4 inches, 3 inches and 1 inch. Each storage area preferably has a depth of about 12 inches, but can have depths of other dimensions such as 11 inches, 9 inches, or 7 inches. The forward facing opening of the storage areas, e.g. shoe cubbies, is most preferably entirely open to permit easy access to the shoes and to facilitate placement of shoes or other items into the cubbies. The forward facing openings can also be substantially open. As used herein, the term “substantially open” indicates that at least 80% of the forward portion of the storage area is unobstructed.

Upper tread 22 is not more than 8 inches above lower tread 12, and in various embodiments is 8 inches above lower tread 12, about 6 inches above lower tread 12, about 4 inches above lower tread 12, and about 3 inches above lower tread 12. Base 10 of this illustrated embodiment also comprises two holes 11 in the forward exposed portion in order to facilitate gripping by a user when pulling the step stool to a different location. Other embodiments had a lower tread which does not have any holes or depressions.

In order to facilitate the optional storage of shoes or other items on upper tread 22, and to reduce the likelihood that such items would fall off upper tread 22, a rim 27 is positioned proximate the side and rear edges of upper tread 22. In the illustrated embodiment, rim 27 is formed of a decorative molding, but other rims of different shapes and sizes can be utilized. Additionally, a rear wall 26 (best shown in FIG. 2) prevents items from falling out the rear of the storage areas and provides further vertical support to upper tread 22.

As best shown in FIG. 2, upper supports 25 and rear wall 26 rest on the rearward covered portion 14 of base 10 which is resting on lower supports 15. Lower supports 15 preferably extend from the front edge of base 10 rearwardly at least to the rear edge of base 10.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are front and rear perspective views, respectively, of a second embodiment of a step stool comprising two open, forwardly facing storage areas or cubbies on each of two storage levels. In this embodiment, a lower base 40 comprises a forward exposed tread portion 42 and a rearward covered, portion 44. Base 40 is supported and elevated off the floor by three lower supports 45. An upper base 50 is supported above lower base 40 by intermediate supports 55. Similar to lower base 40, intermediate base 50 comprises a forward exposed tread portion 52 and a rearward covered, portion 54. Forward exposed tread portions 42 and 52 are treads on which a person can stand. Furthermore, an upper tread 62 is supported above rearward covered portion 54 of base 50 by three upper supports 65 and is designed to support a standing adult. All sets of supports are sufficiently strong to collectively provide a load carrying capacity of at least 150 pounds, preferably at least 250 pounds, and most preferably at least 350 pounds to the treads they support. This step stool is intended to support one person at any time, not a person on each step.

As in the first embodiment described above, the supports, rearward covered portions and upper treads define storage cubbies which are preferably dimensioned to accommodate a pair of adult shoes. For example, each individual storage area preferably has a width of at least about 8 inches, and a depth of at least 11 inches. The forward facing opening of these storage areas is preferably entirely open to permit easy access to the shoes and to facilitate placement of shoes or other items into the cubbies. If not entirely open, the forwardly facing access is preferably substantially open.

In order to facilitate the optional storage of shoes or other items on upper tread 62, and to reduce the likelihood that such items would fall off upper tread 62, a rim 67 is provided proximate the side and rear edges of upper tread 62. In the illustrated embodiment, rim 67 is formed of a decorative molding, but other rims of different shapes and sizes can be utilized.

As best shown in FIG. 4, upper supports 65 rest on the rearward covered portion 54 of base 50 which is resting on intermediate supports 55, which in turn are resting on lower base 40 which sits on lower supports 55. Lower supports 45 also preferably extend from the front edge of base 40 rearwardly at least to the rear edge of base 40. This illustrated embodiment comprises two cubbies on each of two storage levels. This embodiment does not have a back wall corresponding to rear wall 26 of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2. Lower tread 40 also does not have grip holes. The top surface of lower tread 40 is substantially level.

While it is preferred that upper tread 62 is designed so support a standing person, in alternative embodiments, similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the uppermost storage surface may be designed for storage only and not sufficiently strong to support the weight of a person.

FIGS. 5-11 illustrate storage, step support comprising a movable lower step 110 and an upper step 140. FIG. 5 shows lower step 110 in the retracted “storage” position and FIG. 6 shows lower step 110 in the extended “step” position.

The lower step 110 is movably connected to the upper step 140 for movement from a storage position where at least a substantial portion of the lower tread 120 is positioned below the upper base 142 so that said lower tread 120 is not accessible to use as a step to a step position where a sufficient portion of the lower tread 120 is positioned forwardly of the upper base 142 and is accessible for use as a step.

With reference to FIG. 6, lower step 110 comprises a base 112, five vertical supports 115, and a lower tread 120 positioned above base 112 and supported by the five supports 115. The base 112, supports 115 and lower tread 120 collectively define four lower level storage areas. These storage areas are open in the forward facing direction to provide ready access to shoes or other items stored in them. While preferably entirely open, the storage areas could alternatively be substantially open.

Upper step 140 also has a row of four storage areas in an upper level storage defined by an upper base 142, three inner upper supports 143, two outer upper supports 145 and an upper tread 150. The outer upper supports 145 which are located on the right end and left end of upper step 140, respectively, extend down as far as the bottom of lower base 112 to transfer some of the load received by upper tread 150 directly to the floor. The rear, left and right edges of upper tread 150 in this illustrated embodiment are advantageously provided with a raised rim 157 to prevent items from falling off the top of upper tread 150. Such items are preferably only stored on upper tread 150 when upper tread 150 is not being used as a step.

Lower step 110 and upper step 140 are preferably dimensioned so that there is minimal clearance between the bottom of upper base 142 and the top of lower tread 120 so that when a person stands on upper tread 150, the center of upper step 140 will deflect to a small degree, but sufficiently to rest upon the top of lower step 110, i.e. on lower tread 120. The inner upper supports 143 transfer the load from upper tread 150 through upper base 142 onto lower tread 120. The lower supports 115 transfer loads on lower tread 120 to lower base 112 which transfers the load to the floor. With this preferred construction, the full load applied to upper tread 150 is not carried by outer upper supports 145, but is shared by inner upper supports 143 and lower step 110.

Lower tread 120 is preferably not more than 8 inches above the lower surface of base 112, and in various embodiments is 8 inches above the lower surface of base 112, about 6 inches above the lower surface of base 112, about 4 inches above lower surface of base 112, and about 3 inches above lower surface of base 112. Upper tread 150 is preferably not more than 8 inches above the lower tread 120, and in various embodiments is 8 inches above the lower tread 120, about 6 inches above the lower tread 120, about 4 inches above lower tread 120, and about 3 inches above lower tread 120. Each tread preferably has a depth of about 12 inches, but can have depths of other dimensions such as, for example, 11 inches, 9 inches, or 7 inches.

FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of top step 140 showing rear wall 146. Upper inner supports 143 and upper base 142 are shown in phantom.

FIG. 8 is a front perspective of top step 140 showing one of the drawer sliders 148 which movably connects lower step 110 to upper step 140 and facilitates the smooth movement of the lower step 110 from the storage position to the step position. FIG. 9 is a close-up view of an exemplary drawer slider 148 while FIGS. 10 and 11 are partial front and rear perspective views, respectively, of the complementary portion 149 of the drawer slider 148 secured to the outer side of lower step 110. By way of example, draw slides sold under model no. FR 5043 by Sulterer USA, Inc. of High Point, North Carolina, USA have been found suitable for connecting relatively movable steps of the various embodiments disclosed. Additionally, friction reducing devices 116, 156 can be positioned on the bottoms of bases 112 and 142, respectively to further facilitate their movement if desired.

FIGS. 12-16 illustrate storage, step support comprising two movable steps 210, 240 which are movable in a telescoping fashion relative to an upper storage area 270. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 5-11 with the following exceptions. The storage, step support of this embodiment is intended to stay up against the rear wall of a storage closet. The rear wall 246 can advantageously be secured to the inner, rear wall of storage closet. Therefore, uppermost storage surface 250 is not intended to be a tread since an adult standing on the uppermost storage surface would likely bump their head on the closet shelf. In an alternative embodiment, however, the uppermost storage surface is sufficiently supported to serve as a tread for adults.

The rearward and side edges of uppermost storage surface 250 in this illustrated embodiment are advantageously provided with a raised rim 257 to prevent items from falling off the top of uppermost storage surface 250.

With reference to FIG. 16, when both steps 210 and 240 are in their extended step positions, lower step 210 rests on the floor and likely extends out of the closet as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. The forward portion of intermediate step 240 rests on lower tread 220 while the rearward portion of intermediate step 240 is supported by a drawer slide 248. Additionally, in this illustrated embodiment, the upper level storage areas do not have a rear wall since the back of this storage step support is intended to abut a wall of a closet.

Additionally, friction reducing devices 216 can be positioned on the bottom of bases 216, friction reducing devices 256 can be positioned between the second base and the first tread, and friction reducing devices 276 can be positioned between the third base and the second tread to further facilitate their movement if desired. 

1. A storage, step support comprising storage spaces for storing articles other than portions of the step support, comprising: a base comprising a forward, exposed first tread portion and a rearward covered portion; a second step comprising an exposed second tread disposed rearwardly of said exposed first tread portion and over said rearward covered portion of said base, said second tread not greater than 8 inches higher than said first tread; a plurality of generally vertical supports connecting said base with said second step; said base, said supports and said second tread defining at least one, first level storage area, each of said at least one, first level storage area comprising an open, forwardly facing access.
 2. A storage, step support according to claim 1 comprising a plurality of supports connected to a bottom surface of said base.
 3. A storage, step support according to claim 1 comprising at least three generally vertical supports which define a plurality of first level storage areas.
 4. A storage, step support according to claim 3 wherein at least one of said supports is generally centrally positioned along the width of said rearward covered portion.
 5. A storage, step support according to claim 1 comprising a raised rim along at least one edge of said second step.
 6. A storage, step support according to claim 5 comprising a raised rim along the rearward edge and side edges of said second step.
 7. A storage, step support according to claim 1 further comprising a plurality of supports below said first step for supporting said first step in an elevated position.
 8. A storage, step support according to claim 1 wherein said forward exposed portion is in the same plane as said rearward covered portion.
 9. A storage, step support according to claim 1 wherein said supports collectively provide said second step with at least 150 pounds of load carrying capacity.
 10. A storage, step support according to claim 1 wherein said supports collectively provide said second step with at least 250 pounds of load carrying capacity.
 11. A storage, step support according to claim 1 wherein said supports collectively provide said second step with at least 350 pounds of load carrying capacity.
 12. A storage, step support according to claim 1 wherein said supports rest on said first step and said second step rests on said supports.
 13. A storage, step support according to claim 1 wherein each tread has a width of at least 8 inches.
 14. A storage, step support according to claim 1 wherein each storage area has a depth of at least 11 inches.
 15. A storage, step support according to claim 1 wherein each storage area has a height of at least 5 inches.
 16. A storage, step support according to claim 1 further comprising a third step comprising a third tread; said second step comprising a forward exposed portion and a rearward covered portion; said third step disposed over said rear enclosed portion of said second step, said third tread not more than 8 inches higher than said second tread; a plurality of upper supports supporting said third tread; said upper supports, said second tread and said third tread defining at least one second level storage area which is positioned higher than said first level storage area, said second level storage area having open, forwardly facing access.
 17. A storage, step support according to claim 16 comprising a raised rim along at least one edge of said third step.
 18. A storage, step support according to claim 17 comprising a raised rim along the rearward edge and side edges of said third step.
 19. A storage, step support according to claim 16 wherein each tread has a width of at least 8 inches.
 20. A storage, step support according to claim 16 wherein each storage area has a depth of at least 11 inches. 